Wall Sleeve Damper Venting With Low-Pressure-Loss Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall boxes for ventilation require electrical energy for operation, are complex and expensive to manufacture, prone to failure, and suffer from high pressure losses and assembly difficulties, especially when installed in walls with horizontal airflow.

Innovation Solution

A wall box design that operates without electrical energy, featuring a hyperbolically shaped flow body and guide body to minimize pressure loss, with a sealing cover that opens and closes automatically based on airflow, guided by axial arms and utilizing a spring or weight for restoring force, and incorporating magnets for secure closure and insulation to prevent soiling and turbulence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical sensors and control systems are used to open and close the cover, then the ventilation can be controlled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to open and close automatically using the kinetic energy of the airflow itself. The aerodynamic profile of the cover creates pressure differences that naturally drive the opening motion when airflow is present, and allow closing when airflow stops, eliminating the need for external sensors or control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electrical control systems with a purely mechanical aerodynamic system. The cover's shape and positioning create airflow-dependent forces that automatically control opening and closing, substituting electronic components with fluid dynamics-based mechanical action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If electrical wiring and energy supply are provided to the wall box, then the cover can be controlled, but the installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover controlVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the kinetic energy of the passing airflow itself to power the opening mechanism. No external energy supply or wiring is needed - the airflow provides both the control signal and the mechanical force needed to open the cover, simplifying installation to just mounting the device in the wall opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple cover design is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cover features a specifically shaped aerodynamic profile with curved surfaces designed to guide airflow smoothly. This curved geometry reduces flow separation and turbulence, minimizing pressure loss while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece construction that keeps manufacturing costs low

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Productivity

If the closure cover blocks due to its own weight in horizontal flow, then the ventilation is ineffective, but this is unavoidable with simple designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation effectivenessVSAvoidfrictional forces
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The aerodynamic profile of the cover generates lift forces from the passing airflow that counteract the gravitational force on the cover. The shaped surface creates pressure differences that produce an upward aerodynamic force balancing the weight, preventing the cover from blocking in horizontal installations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover transitions from a static blocked position to a dynamic open position based on airflow conditions. The aerodynamic forces change with flow velocity, automatically adjusting the cover position - blocked when no flow, open when flow is present - optimizing ventilation effectiveness for different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and reliable ventilation system with minimal pressure loss, easy assembly, and reduced maintenance, as the wall box opens and closes automatically with airflow, ensuring secure sealing and efficient airflow without electrical control or wiring.

Implementation Method 1

the wall box opens automatically to the desired width through the energy of the air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a flow body is attached to the inside of the closure cover, which directs the air flow formed by the pressure difference past the edge of the closure cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 3

The restoring force is brought about by a spring which pulls the cover into its closed position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 4

In the embodiment with the spring, this engages the center point of the closure cover via a pivot lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP1921394B1Wall sleeve with damper opening upon air pressure difference
Publication Date: 2011.08.10 NABER HOLDING GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1921394B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1921394B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A wall incorporates an air vent that is opened and closed by pressure difference. The ventilator flap closure (5) is located within a pipe (2) and moves independently under air pressure against a spring (22).